Pagine

So tomorrow marks 22 weeks in this pregnancy journey of ours. It's starting to become really real to me now...and that's been kind of scary. Everyone around me and so excited for us and just can't stop talking about it, and while I share in the excitement...int he inside, I'm going through every emotion possible. I'm happy, elated, terrified, nervous, anxious, afraid.....all of it at one time. I know it's normal, and I know once he's here everything will be fine. I'm confident that I will be a good mom and that everything will come naturally to me. I don't think anyone is ever 100% ready to be a parent. It'll take practice and lots of mistakes, and I know we'll do just fine.

Ayden is growing like crazy these days. I told Jeremy that I think he's going through a growth spurt because I am incredibly exhausted all the time. For a few weeks my energy had been up, but this past week, I've been so tired. Luckily, being teachers, we've had the luxury of being able to take the time to rest and be lazy. Ayden is moving a lot more now too, which is awesome. However, he seems to really enjoy the area around my bladder, and that's definitely not so fun for me. Just today he finally kicked up around my belly button - you don't know how great that felt!!! Since I've felt him moving (since around 18 weeks or so), he's stayed very low..sometimes felt like he was kicking my insides!!! He's finally moving around more and finding different positions. Yay! I play tag with him sometimes - me poking him and him poking back, but he has to be in a cooperative mood for that. I've also learned that he is not happy when I cross my legs when sitting down. I guess he gets cramped and boy does he let me know it. :) I'm excited about his continued growth and just that he's doing so well! It's such a miracle and a blessing, and I thank God every day for trusting us with such a precious gift.

Christmas was great for us. We spent lots of time with family and friends. This Christmas was the first in a few years that I've been with both my cousins on Christmas day. We have a third cousin, but he has never been with us on Christmas day (he's only 2) and he lives in Korea. So, he was there in spirit :) That was great though. Jeremy and I are very fortunate to be from the same town because we are able to see almost everyone on Christmas day. I love seeing how we've adapted to the different family traditions. I look forward to his family's traditions and I guess he looks forward to ours ;) . We asked anyone who was going to get us a gift to get a gift card to Best Buy. We don't have a video camera, and once Ayden comes along, we want to be able to catch everything so everyone can see it. I got a new digital camera for Christmas, which was great because mine had become outdated and wasn't taking good-quality pictures. We got enough in gift cards to afford the video camera, so we're set to document Ayden's every move!

Well, that's about it for now. I'm so sad that Christmas is already over. It comes and goes so fast. But the real meaning behind Christmas is never forgotten. That's one promise we can always bank on.

...BOY! So, the Jones' family will be adding a little boy to the mix in May! He's healthy and measuring as he should be. He's a tiny little guy, and he is very laid back - much like his dad. I've been feeling him moving around for about a week now, just didn't know that was what I was indeed feeling. The movements come and go, but they're definitely scheduled. He's most active at 9:30am, 3:30-4:30 pm, and then anywhere between 8 - 9:30 pm. I'm assuming that's when he's most active...that's when I feel the "flutters". I know they'll get stronger soon though. The ultrasound was probably the coolest experience I've ever had. It was so neat to see him moving around there - well, as much as he could...he looked cramped! :) He looks like he might have my facial structure - a round face. But that can all change quickly. However, I hope he looks like Jeremy - he'll be so handsome if he does! Well, below are Mr. Ayden Brooks Jones' first pictures. He'll be here before we know it!

So, over the past week, I've definitely noticed a change....in my shape, that is. For the longest time, I wasn't showing at all. 4 months and I'm finally starting to pooch out a little. I can't wait until it turns into the full "bump" because for now, it just looks like I've been eating too much!

We were able to change our ultrasound appointment since Jeremy has trouble getting off work for the appointments. We go on Wednesday, the 26th to do the ultrasound and, hopefully, find out if little one is a boy or a girl! :) We already have names ready to go, and we're sharing in case anyone cares to know them. If it's a boy, he will be named Ayden Brooks Jones. If it's a girl, she will most likely be named Olivia Kate Jones. It was going to be Katherine Ann-Marie Jones, but since we decided we would called her Kate, we didn't see the need in giving her such a long name if she wouldn't be using it. Our parents have no idea we've changed the ultrasound date, so they will be getting great Thanksgiving news if the baby cooperates!! :) Yay!! So that means - if you know our parents, keep it to yourself!!!

I went shopping tonight after work, and let me tell you - that was a depressing trip. I barely fit into my pants right now, so I don't know what I planned to achieve by trying on all of these clothes. Anyway, I have a wedding to go to this Saturday, and I realized that I didn't have a dress for a winter/autumn wedding. So, I set out to the mall. It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. I knew I needed a dress that I could grow with, but not one that was going to be so big that I could never wear it again. So, after trying on everything JC Penney had....and searching through Belk's non-existent dress collection....and then walking around NY and Company with a scowl on my face....and I ended up at JC Penney telling myself I was not leaving without a dress. I'm not a fun shopper. I like to go in, pick something out (I MIGHT try it on), pay for it and leave. So, being at the mall for an hour and a half and only succeeding and realizing why I hate shopping to begin with, I was not a happy camper. Luckily, I came across a black, empire waist, dress. I tried it on....the size was good..room to grow....and it even made me look like I had a little baby bump. So, I got the dress and bought some hose. But now, I have to find shoes and a sweater...gggrrrrr. I'm not good at accessorizing or knowing what looks good with what, so the outcome of this outfit will be interesting.

Anyway, now that I've bored you to death....I guess that's it. Our cat has been sickly lately. Not sure what's wrong with him. I believe God can help animals feel better, and I prayed for him last night. This morning, he was much better, but still weak and sleepy acting. He did eat this morning, which was good. He didn't eat at all yesterday. He usually greets me at the door and runs to the back door to try to squeeze out when I let Tucker out. Yesterday, he just sat on his stool and looked at me like, "uuuuhhhh.....soooo sick." Poor guy. At least he's better. :)

Ok, now, I promise I'm done. Sorry this wasn't so interesting. My life isn't all that exciting these days. Just work...go home...eat...and sleep...then repeat.

Lately, friends have been telling me that I NEED to get on waiting lists for childcare....that being on one at least a year in advance is ideal. Umm...I didn't even know I was pregnant at the "one year before" mark. Anyway, that's been stressing me out because I don't know where to look for one....and two, I don't want to just settle. I don't have time to really go searching around staking out places. So, I'm calling around and trying to get on as many waiting lists as possible. ONE possibility has come up though. A lady I worked with last year - great Christian woman - has a sister-in-law who has an in-home day care - small and in a Christian household. She's going to talk to her and see if she has any openings. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping she will work out and will have a decent price. These other places I've looked at are like...$140 - $190 per WEEK. We don't have that kind of money at ALL...so, you can see my issue here. Anyway, please pray that this will work itself out. The whole idea is just daunting to me...and I tend to procrastinate in these situations.

As I was searching around for childcare, the thought of insurance came to mind, which freaked me out even more. I started spazzing, thinking, "How much is going to come out of my check?" "Were we crazy!! We don't have the money for this!! What were we thinking?!" No...I'm not regretting at all. I'm overjoyed that this child is coming into our lives. However, it is overwhelming to think about all that it takes to provide for this child. Why in the world did we choose the education field!!! I mean...job security is great and all....but gosh...there's no money in it. hehe

So, went shopping for maternity clothes. haha HILARIOUS experience. I'm learning that I'm not going to be good at shopping for these clothes until I can actually wear them. I'm not showing at all...but I didn't want to get caught off guard one day with clothes that don't fit. So, my parents took me to Target to get some dress pants and a top or two. I tried on the full panel pants just to see....LOL....it was the funniest sight I have ever seen. These pants were pulled up to my throat (j/k) and way too big everywhere else (had to try on a size up...didn't have my size). Then, the tops were HUGE and way too long. I looked like a box...it did not flatter me at all. I never realized how short/stocky I was until I tried this stuff on. I know it'll look better once I start showing. I didn't go with the full panel yet. Just got the shorter panel to grow into until I need the full panel. Funny stuff....hope it gets better.

For weeks now, people have been telling me how incredible it is to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time. So, I had been looking forward to the day with anxiousness and apprehension. I had gone through every possible scenario in my head...preparing myself not to hear the heartbeat. Yes, I also stayed positive at times and prepared myself to hear the heartbeat. However, I had resolved myself not to get too excited UNTIL I heard the heartbeat. I know I've sort of wasted 12 weeks being worried, but I'm allowed to! I'm the one carrying the child...nurturing it....taking care of it...of course I'm going to worry!

Anyway, when we got ready to hear the heartbeat, I was so sure it would there. I wasn't worried at all. The midwife searched around and we kept hearing my heartbeat. So, she kept searching around, and then....there it was! It was the most beautiful, sweetest sound I've ever heard in my life. I keep trying to relive the moment in my mind since it happened. The baby's heart rate was at 160, which even I knew was really good. :) I couldn't see Jeremy while all of this was happening, but he assured me that he had a big smile on his face.

The midwife showed us what the baby looks like now and then showed us what it would look like 4 weeks from now. It's going to almost triple in size...in 4 weeks!! How awesome is that!! Everything is formed now....baby just has to get bigger at this point. I feel like I should have more questions to ask when I got to see the midwife, but I stay pretty up to date on what's going on with me and the baby through reading and researching (daily...I'm a little obsessive).

Well, thanks for letting me share the great news with you guys! Keep us and the little peanut in your prayers!! I go back at 16 weeks...so about 4 more weeks. Then, I go back 2 weeks after that to find out what it is!!! :) Yay!! This baby will be here before we know it. 6 months to go...

So, we've made it to the 10 week mark. Nausea is subsiding, but that's about it. I'm still extremely tired all the time, which isn't good for me. It goes all the way back to when I was born. I was born 6 weeks early, and my immune system didn't get to develop as most do. So, since then, my immune system has always been pretty weak. Over the years it has revamped itself, but it still isn't as strong as it should be. So, when I get really, really tired....I tend to get sick. Recently, I've just been feeling yucky...like I'm coming down with something - achey, sinus pressure in my head, earache, sore throat, and tightness in my chest. However, these symptoms don't seem to get "bad"....just annoying, and to the point where I feel like I MIGHT be getting sick. So, lots of rest has been my prescription to myself, and it seems to be working ok.

As for pregnancy symptoms, I can definitely tell that I will start showing in the coming weeks. I'm "stretching" down below and have the cramps to prove it. So, I guess my uterus is preparing to push upward and outward. :) Yay! I can no longer comfortably sleep on my stomach. I feel bad even thinking about doing that, but it's habit. However, it doesn't feel good at all, so once I roll over, I quickly wake up and turn to a side. I remember hearing that pregnant women have weird dreams...and boy is it true. Every single night I dream weird dreams!! Last night I dreamt that I was part of a video game and I was on a mission is Africa. I was scaling cliffs, swimming in the ocean, hiding from bad guys, and protecting something valuable...can't remember what that was though. Really interesting....

Anyway, that's about it. Other than that, my life is consumed by work and grading research papers at the moment...which I should probably get to. I'm finishing rough drafts and preparing for final drafts on Wednesday....and then, next week....the final, final drafts. So, I will see 33 papers 3 times....so, 99 papers in all. uuughh... Luckily, this is the hardest part and it's almost over!! Can't wait to move on to Macbeth and teach the children some Shakespeare! :)

Well, I've hit the 8 week mark, and I started feeling it today. Morning sickness is setting in more and more as the days pass by. This morning, I was sitting in my office and was feeling a little queasy. I stood up to get something and thought I was going to lose it all right there. I sat down really quickly and reached for some crackers as Sierra Mist. I absolutely refuse to throw up (I know...I say that now....just wait.....I know....), and I will avoid it until I can't help it. After lunch, though, I felt a little better. It only seems to hit when I'm getting hungry or when I am hungry. I haven't had trouble eating. I just have to eat things that appeal to me (which excludes Lasagna at the moment). I'm interested to see how things progress in the sickness area over the next 4 weeks. I'm hoping it slows down a lot by then. I'm also feeling some differences. I'm starting to feel my ligaments stretching, which is WONDERFUL because that tells me the little one is growing and making room. :) I'll deal with the pain and sickness as long as I have to....I just want this little peanut to be strong and healthy! I absolutely LOVE being given the blessing of carrying a miracle around in my body. God is so awesome, and His creation is so amazing!!

So, for my embarassing moment.... I didn't want to eat my leftovers for lunch today, so I made my way to the cafeteria. The lunch lady laughed at me because I ALWAYS ask for pizza and fries. She said, "We have all this good food, and you ask for pizza and fries." I said, "It's always been one of my favorites! I've always loved school food." (My FAV. is the cheap chicken sandwiches...yyyuummm) Anyway, I'm walking out with my tea and my plate of food and I notice that one of my students is wearing a pink shirt under her polo (not allowed...must be white), so I'm focused on telling her to pull her shirt down. As I'm walking toward her, my shoe slips out from under me (like I turned my ankle, but not as bad a that), and I fall down to my knees....IN FRONT OF EVERYONE!! Luckily, I think it looked like I very abruptly bent down to pick something up. However, some students saw it, and once they found out I was okay, we all laughed. So, I stood there for a second, brushed it off, laughed a bit, talked to my kids, gave a little curtsy, then went on my way. haha :( I hate when that happens!

My name is Ayden Brooks Jones. My mommy and daddy are Jeremy and Lindsay Jones. Did you know that mommy and daddy have been in love for almost 10 years? There is a lot of love between those two. I am so lucky to call them my parents! Mommy found out on August 28th 2008 that she was pregnant; a baby was on the way! Little did she know that it was me - her Ayden Brooks Jones she was so anxiously waiting to meet. Mommy said she didn't really prefer one over the other...a boy or a girl....but she said that deep down inside, she knew I was a boy, and she was so excited!

On Nov. 26th, mommy and daddy found out that I was indeed a little boy. They couldn't wait to tell everyone that Ayden was on his way! They loved my name from the beginning and were happy when they found out they would be using it as their son's name. Mommy and daddy told my grandparents soon after that. Everyone was so thrilled!

Mommy found out that I was a very scheduled baby. I would kick and wiggle early in the morning, right before lunch, mid-afternoon, and then late at night. She always knew when I was about to wake up and put on a show. For the most part, I was pretty laid back - a lot like daddy. Mommy found my tickle spot while I was in her tummy! She would rub my back and I would wiggle, wiggle, wiggle. After I was born, it still worked!

On mommy's birthday, I decided it was time for me to join the party. Everyone was here, why not! Mommy woke up the morning of her birthday at 3:30 feeling a lot of pressure. That was ME mommy!! I was ready to meet you! Mommy and daddy finally went to the hospital at 11:30 that night. I decided I wanted my own birthday, so I waited until the next day to get moving and make my way out into this world. At 3pm (almost 36 hours later) Mommy started to push. We are a good team because she and I were able to push together and I came out 30 minutes later at 3:36pm. I came out screaming! Mommy and daddy said I was so beautiful and healthy! They were so excited to be my parents and to finally meet me. I was happy to finally meet them too. I calmed right down as soon as mommy started talking to me. Of course, they had to weigh me and such. I didn't like being on that cold scale! I had just been inside mommy's tummy in a warm, comfy place! Seriously.... I weighed 7lbs and 14oz and I was 19 inches long. I had fooled them all. Mommy didn't gain a lot of weight and she didn't look very big, so they all thought I would be much smaller. They were happy, though, to learn how healthy and big I was.

After 3 nights in the hospital, I finally got to come home. We were already enjoying ourselves as a family. Mommy and daddy loved to snuggle me, talk to me, and give me as many kisses as they could. I loved to eat! I ate more than most babies my age. By the time I was three months old, I was eating 8oz per bottle! That meant I slept better too. I made it easy on mommy and daddy. From the start, I only had to wake them up once or twice at night. Sometimes, you just need a midnight snack. And who better to get it from than mommy! I loved our times in the middle of the night. She didn't think I could see her very well, but I did, and I would just smile and smile at my mommy. I thought she was the most beautiful mommy. Daddy said so, and what daddy says must be true. Mommy was lucky to have two men in her life who thought she was just awesome!

As I continued to grow, I began to become very alert and happy almost all the time! I loved to play, play, play - starting at 4 weeks old. Mommy would put me on my little mat and I would kick and wiggle. I hadn't quite gotten coordinated, yet, so my kicking seemed kind of random. But I'm a quick learner! Soon after that, I was kicking away whenever they laid me down! At 8 weeks, I loved to be read to and to look at bright colors! Most importantly, I liked to look at mommy and daddy's faces! They could always make me smile and even laugh! At 2 months old, I was trying to sit up when in someone's lap. I would get very frustrated because no one seemed to realize that this was what I was trying to do. They thought I was too little. Too little? I want to see everything you're seeing! Finally, they figured out what I wanted, and I was sitting up, with help, and looking all around the room. They couldn't believe how strong my neck was. I could hold my head up almost perfectly!

Some of my favorite times were: bath time, diaper time, playing on my mat and looking at the musical star, laughing at mommy and daddy, going to church, visiting family, going to daddy's softball games, and morning cuddle time with mommy and daddy. My favorite part of the day was when I would wake up in the morning. I was such a happy boy in the morning! It was time to play with mommy! The other best part of my day was when daddy came home from work. I would save my biggest smile for daddy! I was so happy to see him! That was when we got special Daddy and Ayden time. He's a great daddy. I kind of love him....a lot.

When I was a few days from being 4 months old, I rolled over for the first time, from my back to my tummy. I was so proud of myself! Daddy had to personally congratulate me because he was proud too! Mommy and daddy were so excited. I didn't get what the fuss was about - I knew I could do it. I had just learned to turn over onto my side, which was my favorite way to sleep. I didn't get to sleep that way much because mommy always kept me on my back, but she let me sleep my favorite way for nap time. I could hold my head up so well!! I could even look up at daddy while on my tummy...and he's tall! We had such a great summer together.

When mommy and daddy had to go back to work, I had to go to day care. I didn't like being away from them, but it wasn't for long during the day, so I saw them again soon. I enjoyed my time at day care, just taking it all in. I was the smallest, so I got the most attention. My favorite day was when I got to swing in the baby swing outside. That was really neat! Mommy couldn't believe how much of a big boy I was! I guess I was a big boy. I was bigger than most kids my age and I was doing a lot of things most babies my age hadn't done yet. I don't know why; I just did.

One day, mommy dropped me off before work. She gave me a big kiss and told me she'd see me later. I watched her walk out the door. I wish that hadn't been the last time I saw her....or she saw me. But I didn't know. I was sleepy, so I laid down to take a nap. While I was sleeping, Jesus asked me to follow Him to Heaven. It seemed like such a beautiful place to be, so I went with him. I didn't hurt or feel pain. I went peacefully and quickly. I am in Heaven now, rejoicing and enjoying everything it has to offer. Mommy and daddy miss me so much. I don't want them to be sad. They will see me again very soon! Until we meet again, I will still love them very much. They showed me what true love is. They made me feel so loved, protected, cared for, and cherished. They told me everyday how much of a blessing I was to them. They were the same for me. Please pray for my mommy and daddy, and help them to remember that I'm okay. I am where everyone else wishes and hopes to be someday. I hope I meet you all soon, but you'll have to get in line because mommy and daddy get to be with me first!

Thank you for loving me and for praying for me and my parents. Thank you for showing my parents just how special they are. Thank you for keeping up with me while I was here with you all and for always telling me how cute I am. I didn't know what cute meant, but it could always make me smile. I am smiling now, and laughing all the time. I am happy and blessed.

This is a little late, but that's okay. As of August 28th, Jeremy and I are going to be parents to a sweet little one. We went to the 6 week appointment on September 12th. I'm seeing the midwives, for now, and the one we saw (Lisa) said everything looked good (perfect was the word she used, which made me feel even better!). It was so surreal, sitting there with all of these other pregnant women, and Jeremy sitting next to me. It felt really weird, like we are really grown up now. It's a little scary because while we know we are ready for a child, at the same time, it's scary to know that it'll never be just the two of us again....we'll be responsible for a life....for supporting it, guiding it, teaching it, protecting it, and loving it unconditionally (that won't be hard). It is a lot to take in all at once, but it's setting in now. We go back on Oct. 17th to hear the heart beat. Maybe we can get them to do an ultrasound then since we didn't get one at our first appointment. I want to see the little peanut!

I'm only 7 weeks, 4 days, so no prounounced symptoms yet. I do feel nauseous almost every day, but usually only when I'm starting to get hungry. I have to keep something in my stomach at all times. This sounds wonderful in theory, but being a teacher, that's harder than one would think. By the time 4th period is ending, around 3:30, I'm in need of a boost. So, I usually start to feel sick toward the end of class, which isn't good with a class of 33, 4th period, at the end of the day. At that point, I just don't care anymore because I'm more concerned about not throwing up. We'll see how that goes as the coming weeks progress. Other than that, my other symptoms are pretty mild - really tired, backaches every now and then, and some cramping. I'm so ready to start showing so that it's obvious that there's something in there!

We've told our parents, which was wonderful. They were so excited! One my side, this will be the first grandchild, first great grandchild (my Dad's mom) and 11th great grandchild (mom's side). On Jeremy's side, this will be the 2nd grandchild (his sister is due in March!), 2nd great grandchild (mom's side) and 4th great grandchild (dad's side). My sister is so excited!! Yay! I know we have no chance in keeping this little one unspoiled, but I guess that's ok. :) So, everyone knows and we're telling people - ask quickly as we can. There are so many to tell - another reason I want to start showing....people can just look at me and know. haha

Well, I guess this enough for now. We're so excited and so thankful to our friends and family for keeping us in your prayers. This little one is definitely an answer to prayer. We've been hoping and praying for this child for some time now. God's timing has worked out perfectly, and we couldn't be happier.